The -galactosidase gene that is inserted into plasmid cloning vectors is used to
A) cleave the DNA in a sequence-specific fashion.
B) disrupt the antibiotic-resistance gene, making it nonfunctional.
C) determine if the cloning has been successful.
D) protect the bacteria from bacteriophage infection.

Question

The  -galactosidase gene that is inserted into plasmid cloning vectors is used to
A) cleave the DNA in a sequence-specific fashion. 
B) disrupt the antibiotic-resistance gene, making it nonfunctional. 
C) determine if the cloning has been successful. 
D) protect the bacteria from bacteriophage infection.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The β-galactosidase gene is commonly used as a reporter gene in plasmid cloning. The presence of the β-galactosidase gene in a clone is a good indicator that the cloning has been successful, as it is typically inserted along with the target gene. The gene does not cleave DNA in a sequence-specific manner, disrupt antibiotic resistance, or protect bacteria from bacteriophage infection.

The -Galactosidase Gene That Is Inserted into Plasmid Cloning